​As students across the world are making a transition to distance learning, educators and parents will no doubt begin to see the unique set of executive functioning challenges that distance learning can present.  

Planning, organizing, and managing time as well as the physical space required to learn and study at home can be difficult to manage. The pull of family, television, video games and free time present enticing distractions. A set routine and the proper materials and supports can be very helpful in creating a structure at home that helps students learn. 

​Use these tips to build on routines established at school, and help your student practice independence at home during distance learning.

By Science & Arts Academy

​Teachers and students from Science & Arts Academy (SAA) in Des Plaines hosted their annual Cut for a Cause Event in March. 

Students, parents, faculty, staff and friends gathered to watch eight SAA students and two faculty members donate eight or more inches of hair each to the organization Children With Hair Loss. This organization provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss.  

​All across the world, school administrators and government officials have made difficult decisions about closing schools. We are in new territory and struggling to learn the best way to parent our children during these unusual and complicated times. Concerns about coronavirus grow daily, and these concerns can cause fear and worry for all of us, but especially our students. It is important to remember our children are looking to us for reassurance and cues on how to react and respond. 

​After a busy year of running back and forth from school while managing homework assignments and family or personal obligations, summer is the time to take a deep breath and capture those moments where you can truly slow down. 

​For students who have been busy all year, it is important to find time to do the things you and your family truly enjoy. I always remind parents that our students tend to differ significantly from typical kids when it comes to their feelings about summer break. While some of our students cannot wait for a break from school, many others may feel sad and need some time to process their new schedule and freedom.
 

By Science & Arts Academy